Continuous Binding

I am aware of at least a half-dozen variations to attach that last bit of binding to a quilt with a smooth bias seam. Some are easier than others to remember.

I don't remember when I learned to finish the binding so that it appears 'seamless.' But the method I learned has stuck. For some reason, it makes sense to me. I've tried other methods, some of them with fewer steps, some with more, and I always come back to my old stand by.

Here's how it goes.

1. After trimming the batting and backing even with the quilted top, sew the binding 1/4" from the edge of the quilt, leaving about 24" of the binding unsewn, that's at least 12" of 'unattached' binding on each end. Place the unbound section of the quilt flat on your work table. Lay the binding ends evenly along the raw edge of the quilt and fold the binding back on itself so the folds meet and 'kiss.'

2. Make two marks on the top binding layer one half the width of the binding from the fold. In other words, I've cut my binding strips 2-1/4", so one half of that is 1-1/8". I have two lines on the binding, each 1-1/8" away from the fold. Let's say you cut your binding strips 2-1/2" wide, then half of that is 1-1/4" - half of a 3-1/2" binding is 1-3/4" - half of a 4" binding is 2" - works for any binding width.

3. Fold the quilt onto itself, and pin the quilt layers creating some slack allowing you to work with the binding ends easier.

4. Bring the binding end from the left above the quilt onto the work table and open the fold. Place the binding so you can see the marking line, right side up.

5. Open the crease, and fold the right binding end, wrong sides together, at the marking line,

6.  Then place the fold from the right binding aligned with edge of the left binding. At the same time, align the marking on the left binding with edge of the right binding.

7. Open the right binding fold, then draw a line, parallel to the quilt top, from edge to edge as shown. Secure the binding with pins on both sides of the drawn line.

8. Sew on the line.

9. Trim about 1/4" away from sewing (un-pin the quilt to test it first, if you like!)

10. Pin and sew to quilt edge.

11. Seamless!

Whatever method you choose to create a 'seamless' continuous binding, you'll never have a 'lumpy' edge again!

Bound to quilt!
Joan

Spring!

Central New York finally got a clip of nice weather this past week. Happy flowers seem grateful for the sunshine. Soon lots of flowers will burst forth and the earth will smile again!

With splashes of color arriving one little patch of flowers at a time, it seems appropriate for some uplifting quilted projects!

"Chunky Elizabeth" is another in an on-going series of original 'chunky' quilt kits made from big bold prints matched with only the slightest bit of piecing to keep things interesting.

I just love the fresh, spring-like combination of blue, green and yellow. And this project is no exception. The fabric collection is "Elizabeth Anne" by Alex Anderson for P&B Textiles and the kits are available for purchase from Calico Gals in Syracuse, NY.

The lap-sized quilt is so fast and easy to sew together, you can have yours all ready - quilted and bound with an extra-wide binding - in time for the cool spring and summer evenings to come. . .


Welcome Spring!
Joan

Distractions

It certainly has been a while since my last post. My, how time flies when things get busy!

"Busy doing what?," you might say. The next two ScrapTherapy patterns are due to arrive in quilt shops very soon, and it seems there's always a frenzy of activity just as the patterns are about to be released. Here's a 'sneak peak' of the Series 10 patterns, Dog Gone Scrappy and Framed! Take a look at the ScrapTherapy website for more details.

Both projects are just too much fun to make. Dog Gone Scrappy is a machine applique pattern, based on a traditional Scottie dog motif. Use the new Dog Gone Scrappy printed interfacing by Quiltsmart to make the scrappy-dog applique. So cute! Tons of scrap fabrics disappear into this quilt.

Are you headed to a graduation party this spring and need a gift? Maybe you're invited to a summer wedding and you're scratching your head trying to think of something unique to bring. Perhaps you'll enjoy making Framed! This scrappy picture frame uses Texture Magic to make the puckery-framed border. Perfect for a special occasion! You can even use the scraps from the grad or wedding quilt to make this perfect go-along.

As always, you can find ScrapTherapy patterns, classes, and gadgets at participating quilt shops listed on the website!

Enjoy the new projects!
Joan